If this is how our kids see us, that's totally awesome with me :)
just to be clear...john's on the left :)
Olivia
Lucas
Sunday, March 18, 2012
"mom & dad"...according to L & O
They call them "mommy and daddy..daddy goin work!"
If this is how our kids see us, that's totally awesome with me :)
just to be clear...john's on the left :)
If this is how our kids see us, that's totally awesome with me :)
just to be clear...john's on the left :)
Wayfaring Stranger No One Knows
Wish I had a better way to record music than with my camera, but at least I can play at 2am and not worry about bothering people! First recording in the new house :)
A mixture of Eva Cassidy's and Emmylou Harris' versions of "Wayfaring Stranger"
and Queens of the Stone Age "No One Knows".
Sunglasses...cuz future's so bright....
A mixture of Eva Cassidy's and Emmylou Harris' versions of "Wayfaring Stranger"
and Queens of the Stone Age "No One Knows".
Sunglasses...cuz future's so bright....
Friday, March 16, 2012
Barf
I didn't want to read these articles. John happened to leave them up after reading them earlier. I get so frustrated and saddened, but I know I need to be aware of what's going on.
Daily Caller: Tax-Funded Abortions
So this is a very well-written article regarding Obamacare and the details that will be enacted next year. Remember when it was first thrown on us and quickly passed without it's thousands of pages ever being read? Well, according to a policy analyst whose job is to study the bill, it's chock full of flaws. No democrat wants to admit any flaws because they are so numerous it would essentially lead to it being overturned--which is why Republicans are simply attempting to overturn it as opposed to wasting time dealing with each issue.
Looking at this from the perspective I would've had a year or so ago, I can't believe Obama and his posse are forcing us all to pay for abortions through our tax dollars. 60% of Americans don't agree with the bill. The country may be divided fairly evenly on the morality of abortion, but 75% of American's DO NOT think we all should pay the tab.
Looking at it in the libertarian mindset I am now in, (deep in thought about Tom Woods' 'Nullification') I can't understand how our government can be allowed to even broach the subject of tax-funded abortion, not to mention mandating insurance coverage. It's hard to explain to the average person, because we've been conditioned to believe in government intrusion as something of a charity looking out for "the people," and schooled with a false history of the U.S., and democracy. As I said before, it's easy (and therefore elementary) to look at 'political issues' on the surface only, and judge, "yes this is right and just, and therefore must be enforced by government."
To put things in perspective:
“When governments fear the people, there is liberty. When the people fear the government, there is tyranny.”
Do you think our government fears it's citizens at all, or even respects us? No. I have lost quite a bit of faith in the integrity of the U.S. voting system ..(when Eric Holder is fighting voter ID laws as being racist) ..lost a lot of faith in the federal government, democrats and republicans. I have lost faith in the supreme court who for the most part conveniently forget that the federal government's delegated tasks are "few and defined." And I lose a little faith in humanity every time I hear the illogical refutations pro-choice people make in defense of murder.
Yes I am thoroughly sickened to know that our tax dollars will be funding murder...enough to consider leaving the country. And it's no surprise that Obama lied that no tax $ would fund abortions...even supposedly fooling Bart Stupak (who was worried about his pro-life constituents votes..). Yeah sure all politicians lie. But Obama is NEVER confronted by any media or questioned about his contradictions. And anyone who does, is quickly labeled a racist and that's that.
What good has he done in his 4 years? and more importantly, what DAMAGE has he done with his bill, and his radical , hateful and condescending administration? He shits on the constitution. Talk about a fucking 'right to privacy', he has placed the federal government inside all of our heavily depreciated homes...with failed (and expensive) 'green' energy programs and mandates--with no attention given to the real available resources we have right here in this country (ironically he finally allowed some of the pipeline to be built, but only some of it, so his pal billionaire Warren Buffet would still reap the rewards of his Santa Fe railway being the only means of transporting the oil the rest of the way.) And who cares about the states who depend on coal, and the jobs lost in said states--as a result of heavy regulations, and impractical (as of now) and expensive, and not yet very efficient 'green' energy programs. I have no problem with innovation and attempts to make energy cleaner and efficient. But when it's clearly not at the stage capable to support the demand, and when it's mandated instead of allowed to naturally (meaning not using our tax money) fail/succeed, what has it done but raise the costs of living, and unemployment?
With all he could be focusing on in this country, he's ever-so devoted to the admirable tasks...like getting churches to offer insurance plans with birth control...(as if there's no other way to get birth control). Separation of church & state is selective.
Anyway, the main problem here is the over-reach. The constitution clearly intended to prevent the tyranny we are inching closer to everyday...how many times did they affirm that the federal government is only allowed to regulate the few tasks specifically delegated to it and the rest (which is "indefinite") to the states; to never forget we are a union of States. That the clauses were not to be widely interpreted to allow any and all BS (Obamacare is somehow legitimate by way of the heavily-abused commerce clause..) If anything the commerce clause should be used to overturn Obamacare--the federal government is indirectly impeding on employer's and private insurance companies, and of course us...Don't you think that competition would lead to better (and cheaper) insurance premiums if we just had private insurance companies, not government mandated coverage, in which "they" choose what is right for you...Like comparing your geico quotes...it'd be easy and you can switch to a cheaper one when YOU want.
As I said, aside from murder obviously, no bureaucracy should tell you what is "good" for you--and outlaw your preference as "bad". Slippery slope people..
"Power to the people" meant the individual citizens, and then to their local law, and then their state of choice. What good is a constitution when the one in power, can change the rules at whim?
Nothing to do with race. Nothing to do with sexuality, Nothing to do with religion. The country will only improve if we, the individual citizens open our eyes and get the government in check. According to Tom Woods' studies on federalism and the founder's writings, there is no doubt Obamacare should be nullified.
p.s. don't think my limited government view is biased; I think Santorum's wanting to ban porn as president would definitely not be a task delegated to government, and not to mention futile....and would lead to wasted enforcement, similar to the failed war on drugs, filling up state prisons with people with non-violent drug crimes. Whether I think it is right or wrong is irrelevant. We have free will to do wrong things--as long as we aren't harming anyone else.
Daily Caller: Tax-Funded Abortions
So this is a very well-written article regarding Obamacare and the details that will be enacted next year. Remember when it was first thrown on us and quickly passed without it's thousands of pages ever being read? Well, according to a policy analyst whose job is to study the bill, it's chock full of flaws. No democrat wants to admit any flaws because they are so numerous it would essentially lead to it being overturned--which is why Republicans are simply attempting to overturn it as opposed to wasting time dealing with each issue.
Looking at this from the perspective I would've had a year or so ago, I can't believe Obama and his posse are forcing us all to pay for abortions through our tax dollars. 60% of Americans don't agree with the bill. The country may be divided fairly evenly on the morality of abortion, but 75% of American's DO NOT think we all should pay the tab.
Looking at it in the libertarian mindset I am now in, (deep in thought about Tom Woods' 'Nullification') I can't understand how our government can be allowed to even broach the subject of tax-funded abortion, not to mention mandating insurance coverage. It's hard to explain to the average person, because we've been conditioned to believe in government intrusion as something of a charity looking out for "the people," and schooled with a false history of the U.S., and democracy. As I said before, it's easy (and therefore elementary) to look at 'political issues' on the surface only, and judge, "yes this is right and just, and therefore must be enforced by government."
To put things in perspective:
“When governments fear the people, there is liberty. When the people fear the government, there is tyranny.”
Do you think our government fears it's citizens at all, or even respects us? No. I have lost quite a bit of faith in the integrity of the U.S. voting system ..(when Eric Holder is fighting voter ID laws as being racist) ..lost a lot of faith in the federal government, democrats and republicans. I have lost faith in the supreme court who for the most part conveniently forget that the federal government's delegated tasks are "few and defined." And I lose a little faith in humanity every time I hear the illogical refutations pro-choice people make in defense of murder.
Yes I am thoroughly sickened to know that our tax dollars will be funding murder...enough to consider leaving the country. And it's no surprise that Obama lied that no tax $ would fund abortions...even supposedly fooling Bart Stupak (who was worried about his pro-life constituents votes..). Yeah sure all politicians lie. But Obama is NEVER confronted by any media or questioned about his contradictions. And anyone who does, is quickly labeled a racist and that's that.
What good has he done in his 4 years? and more importantly, what DAMAGE has he done with his bill, and his radical , hateful and condescending administration? He shits on the constitution. Talk about a fucking 'right to privacy', he has placed the federal government inside all of our heavily depreciated homes...with failed (and expensive) 'green' energy programs and mandates--with no attention given to the real available resources we have right here in this country (ironically he finally allowed some of the pipeline to be built, but only some of it, so his pal billionaire Warren Buffet would still reap the rewards of his Santa Fe railway being the only means of transporting the oil the rest of the way.) And who cares about the states who depend on coal, and the jobs lost in said states--as a result of heavy regulations, and impractical (as of now) and expensive, and not yet very efficient 'green' energy programs. I have no problem with innovation and attempts to make energy cleaner and efficient. But when it's clearly not at the stage capable to support the demand, and when it's mandated instead of allowed to naturally (meaning not using our tax money) fail/succeed, what has it done but raise the costs of living, and unemployment?
With all he could be focusing on in this country, he's ever-so devoted to the admirable tasks...like getting churches to offer insurance plans with birth control...(as if there's no other way to get birth control). Separation of church & state is selective.
Anyway, the main problem here is the over-reach. The constitution clearly intended to prevent the tyranny we are inching closer to everyday...how many times did they affirm that the federal government is only allowed to regulate the few tasks specifically delegated to it and the rest (which is "indefinite") to the states; to never forget we are a union of States. That the clauses were not to be widely interpreted to allow any and all BS (Obamacare is somehow legitimate by way of the heavily-abused commerce clause..) If anything the commerce clause should be used to overturn Obamacare--the federal government is indirectly impeding on employer's and private insurance companies, and of course us...Don't you think that competition would lead to better (and cheaper) insurance premiums if we just had private insurance companies, not government mandated coverage, in which "they" choose what is right for you...Like comparing your geico quotes...it'd be easy and you can switch to a cheaper one when YOU want.
As I said, aside from murder obviously, no bureaucracy should tell you what is "good" for you--and outlaw your preference as "bad". Slippery slope people..
"Power to the people" meant the individual citizens, and then to their local law, and then their state of choice. What good is a constitution when the one in power, can change the rules at whim?
Nothing to do with race. Nothing to do with sexuality, Nothing to do with religion. The country will only improve if we, the individual citizens open our eyes and get the government in check. According to Tom Woods' studies on federalism and the founder's writings, there is no doubt Obamacare should be nullified.
p.s. don't think my limited government view is biased; I think Santorum's wanting to ban porn as president would definitely not be a task delegated to government, and not to mention futile....and would lead to wasted enforcement, similar to the failed war on drugs, filling up state prisons with people with non-violent drug crimes. Whether I think it is right or wrong is irrelevant. We have free will to do wrong things--as long as we aren't harming anyone else.
Thursday, March 15, 2012
White Rabbits
I saw my second cousin's band last night, White Rabbits. A friend I had invited had to cancel, but one of John's coworkers Jeremy (another ex-navy guy) and his boyfriend lived a few miles from Fitzgerald's in The Heights, so he volunteered to join! I was very grateful to not have to go alone, plus we carpooled so I didn't have to be the one to find parking :) Thanks Jeremy!
I didn't know how large the venue was or if I'd even be able to meet my second cousin, but my mom talked to her cousin on FB, who graciously told Alex--who then emailed me about meeting at the show! It was awesome. It was a surreal moment to be working out at the gym yesterday, listening to their music, and then get a little envelop icon on top of my phone--an email from the geetar player :)
I didn't know they didn't go on until 11:00 pm so just before the other bands were opening for them (War on Drugs) Alex came out when we first got there and we got to talk. I'm a dork. I talked about the same stuff I would talk about to a friend...to this famous guy. (for example--"you should see my kids on my family blog!") I'm sure he was thinking, "yeah, I'll get right on it!".
We were actually only born a few weeks apart. It's so cool to meet more family. And I thought I came from a large family with 6 siblings, Alex is 1 of 10! I hope I get to meet all his siblings someday :)
Since I really only wanted to see them play and it was so hot and humid upstairs (and loud and crowded...I'm old...I was tempted to buy the $2 earplugs..jk) Jeremy and I spent the first few hours downstairs. They had an open mic, both for comedy and music. I decided to ask if someone might lend me a guitar to play a few songs and a guy in front was very generous---with his ovation :)
Getting to play music made the night worth it all by itself! I was glad to have Jeremy there to support me :) The "comedian" before me made some dumb jokes about abortion, and complained about the "war on women" in this country...so after I played my 3 songs and got cheers and applause, (of course I wait til they like me lol) I said,
The applause turned to a few boos. How do you boo "choose life"? I mean, what's their alternative.."choose death"? "choose...choice"?! Idiots.
In my mind: "my work here is done." :)
Then White Rabbits started setting up. It was so much to set up and looked like they had done it so many times, that this complex setup of cables and numerous drums and mics and a million guitars was second nature to them.
They first played "Heavy Metal" and it sounded amazing. They sound exactly like their album. Their harmonies are spot on right off the bat. Very fun to watch and dance to.
(Also fun to watch, the groupie circle of girls in front with their interpretive dancing :)
Very cool guitar no? I bumped into him after the show and he said he liked my shirt. And in true "Samantha" form (I swear it was involuntary) I said, "thanks! it was $9" ? I told him my relation to Alex and he brought him over. Alex gave me a free copy of their new CD, and I decided to buy a t-shirt.
I don't even remember all the odd topics I brought up in talking to him. But it was never dull. I did tell him that I don't listen to a lot of new music but that I thought they sounded like Yeasayer but with better vocals. I asked if he had heard of them---he says they're good friends with them lol. And of course I asked who he was voting for, and he said probably Obama. :( He then asked if I was disappointed. I said,
"oh. no..well, yeah I am!" lol.
We didn't talk about "politics" too much--he didn't want it to divide us.
I said, "well if we're going to hang out, I'm going to endeavor to make you pro-life!"
He laughed and said alright :)
Yeah, I gave a famous rockstar an ultimatum to hang out. haha.
Hmm. This might be why I don't have many friends. It's always disappointing when I really like someone and think, wow they seem so compassionate and caring. And then...der. not pro-life?! It's nothing new...I grew up in CA, lived in NY...and even in VA and TX I've always felt I was in the minority. As I said before, in my eyes, it makes me sad because I see them as tainted by death.
BUT. There's always a chance to change/learn.
Anyway, I really appreciated the time he took to meet and talk, considering their very busy tour list. They are in Austin at SXSW the next few days. I can't help but feel a little jealous that I don't have a band and get to tour etc. Music really is in our family's blood :) Happy to have met him and show my kids.
Alex was very nice and casually said he wants to meet my family and see Lucas & Olivia. Wouldn't that be so fun? To have him come visit the new house and play music together! I think next time John and I go visit our game night friends in KC, we'll try and meet Alex's mom, (my mom's cousin) who I think is only a few hours from there. I realize that I have so much extended family that I barely talk to, or haven't even met in person. I'd really like to change that :) I regret not finding the time to meet my half-sister Michelle in CA, but I know we will someday. It's amazing to me that her kids in some pictures, resemble our dad more than my kids! I think that will be a new goal (meet more extended family) especially since we are pretty accustomed to long road-trips. Won't it be so awesome for L & O to get to know more family from a young age? Hope they'll be better at maintaining communication with friends and family than I've been thus far.
I had to consider the fact that I might be pregnant...so I had water :) I was glad to see this posted in the bathroom at Fitzgerald's. Pretty risque for them to say "...alcohol while pregnant can hurt your baby's brain.."
I had literally just met my second cousin (yes I am going to keep bragging) when this girl came up with this poster and camera...she said she worked for Sony and was doing an article or something on White Rabbits, so she asked me to hold it for a picture. I invited Alex to be in it and she said, "Umm okay." ...
And I said, "he's in the band.." lol. She said "oh!" I got a personalized autograph on this poster, but I left it with Jeremy on accident. Will get it next time :)
We were actually only born a few weeks apart. It's so cool to meet more family. And I thought I came from a large family with 6 siblings, Alex is 1 of 10! I hope I get to meet all his siblings someday :)
Getting to play music made the night worth it all by itself! I was glad to have Jeremy there to support me :) The "comedian" before me made some dumb jokes about abortion, and complained about the "war on women" in this country...so after I played my 3 songs and got cheers and applause, (of course I wait til they like me lol) I said,
"oh and one more thing in response to the last guy. You asked who watches the news about the "war on women". I just read an article about a girl in Morocco who killed herself because she was forced to marry her rapist. Because that's how it works there--if you rape someone, you are absolved if you marry your victim. Fair and square right? So quit your bitching about having to pay for your own birth control. Choose life!"
I did "Destiny" Zero 7, "Ain't no Sunshine" (Eva Cassidy's version) and "Meditation" Antonio Carlos Jobim.
The applause turned to a few boos. How do you boo "choose life"? I mean, what's their alternative.."choose death"? "choose...choice"?! Idiots.
In my mind: "my work here is done." :)
Thanks for being strong enough to stand next to me lol :)
Then White Rabbits started setting up. It was so much to set up and looked like they had done it so many times, that this complex setup of cables and numerous drums and mics and a million guitars was second nature to them.
Wanna know what was awesome? While the crowd was so anxious for them to start during set up, Alex saw me and smiled and waved---I immediately felt all the girl's heads in the room collectively whip to turn and see who the hell I was. :) I'm spay-shul!
They first played "Heavy Metal" and it sounded amazing. They sound exactly like their album. Their harmonies are spot on right off the bat. Very fun to watch and dance to.
(Also fun to watch, the groupie circle of girls in front with their interpretive dancing :)
A sample: (sorry for shakey video...dancing)
"oh. no..well, yeah I am!" lol.
We didn't talk about "politics" too much--he didn't want it to divide us.
I said, "well if we're going to hang out, I'm going to endeavor to make you pro-life!"
He laughed and said alright :)
Yeah, I gave a famous rockstar an ultimatum to hang out. haha.
Hmm. This might be why I don't have many friends. It's always disappointing when I really like someone and think, wow they seem so compassionate and caring. And then...der. not pro-life?! It's nothing new...I grew up in CA, lived in NY...and even in VA and TX I've always felt I was in the minority. As I said before, in my eyes, it makes me sad because I see them as tainted by death.
BUT. There's always a chance to change/learn.
Anyway, I really appreciated the time he took to meet and talk, considering their very busy tour list. They are in Austin at SXSW the next few days. I can't help but feel a little jealous that I don't have a band and get to tour etc. Music really is in our family's blood :) Happy to have met him and show my kids.
Monday, March 12, 2012
No More Babies...bittersweet
I was looking through some old pics of Olivia--she was such a cute baby, and now is a cute little girl, with LOTS of attitude.
Last night I was almost done making dinner so I told them to sit at the table...she sits down and yells to Lucas:
The other night her crying woke me up at 2:30am and I went up there to see her waving her water cup...so I took it to put more water and she yelled at me thinking I was taking it away. I came back with water for her and kissed her and said "I love you". And she looked at the face, as if she were wondering why I was still there and not going back to my bed and instead of saying "I love you" back, I get:
"..go away."
Even with how tired I was I busted out laughing.
Anyway, here are some adorable videos from last year just before we left CA to come to TX--when I had a newly 2 yr old boy, and a newly 1 yr old girl:
Last night I was almost done making dinner so I told them to sit at the table...she sits down and yells to Lucas:
"LUCAS JAMES! SIT DOWN RIGHT NOW!"It was hilarious! I rarely say "Lucas James" but sometimes when he's not paying attention...I don't even remember the last time I said it...but like I always say, Olivia has perfect memory. She remembers terms and names and always applies them correctly. That in combination with her diva attitude is just so entertaining to watch, albeit sometimes frustrating.
The other night her crying woke me up at 2:30am and I went up there to see her waving her water cup...so I took it to put more water and she yelled at me thinking I was taking it away. I came back with water for her and kissed her and said "I love you". And she looked at the face, as if she were wondering why I was still there and not going back to my bed and instead of saying "I love you" back, I get:
"..go away."
Even with how tired I was I busted out laughing.
Anyway, here are some adorable videos from last year just before we left CA to come to TX--when I had a newly 2 yr old boy, and a newly 1 yr old girl:
And this was just a few weeks ago when we were about to move from the apartment to the house. First Lucas has a hard time pronouncing "balloon", so Olivia tries to help. He's so frustrated :( He is saying more and more words and sentences but they are still pronounced weird.
Then they dance to their favorite song, "whip my hair"--Olivia doesn't like that Lucas joins in :)
Sunday, March 11, 2012
New Mall, New Clothes
Don't they look so much older here?!
Thank you grandma Hodge and granny--here are some of their new clothes (there are a few more items she hasn't worn yet). I also got them each a puzzle (which made the shopping experience a little easier!) and John a much-needed new work shirt.
"You may hold the princess' sweater".
Climbing this slide was a big feat for them :)
Olivia's outfit is new here--got it on clearance at Gymboree. Proud of that :) On this day, Olivia decided to hold Lucas hand and give him a tour of the house. She never likes holding his hand--you can see the surprise in Lucas' face lol. But they were a team that day. "Come on Lucas! Come on guys!" is what she says.
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Nullification
I posted a video by Tom Woods a few weeks ago, and I was lucky enough to find one of his newer books at the library:
This guy is freaking smart. It's been a while since I read an intensely informative book like this so it takes me a few re-reads of pages to get it all. It's almost like Robert Borke's book in that every sentence seems to be too full of important info that you end up underlining/highlighting the whole damn book!
At first glance, the topic of nullification would make most people roll their eyes and write you off as a "government conspiracy" touting nut, or Glenn Beck making a vague and confusing point with a chalkboard. I have to say, I can't blame it all on my lame California High School education--but I really don't know much about American History. And what I did learn in school, I accepted as fact without actually analyzing it. Because I didn't care. I care now, and it's really very interesting to learn the truth about the framers and what their intentions were. I know I should only speak for myself, but it seems like it's so easy to only look at the country in it's current state, and quickly judge this or that to be 'right' and therefore, fair for Americans. You look back at the 18th century, and think they were just bored white guys with wigs who liked to use a lot of unnecessary words to make sentences pages-long. And even to think that maybe the constitution is sort of a 'living' document with rules that are specific to certain times and said times' issues.
BUT
it's not irrelevant at all. I'm not even a quarter through this book, and i've learned so much. The framers truthfully did intend for each word to serve a purpose and to bear meaning throughout time. It was a very delicate process, to construct a constitution that both was specific enough to be efficient, while also being 'vague' enough to withstand cultural changes.
But the theme in this book, which is also the theme of the constitution, is that the federal government was ONLY set up to regulate (and by regulate, they mean 'make regular' not monitor or invade privacy) the tasks expressly (meaning the tasks literally written in the constitution) delegated to it. And nothing else.
EVERYTHING else was supposed to be left to the States. I forget sometimes that we are a Union of states, and that those states are supposed to have more freedom than the Union itself. Look at whats going on today and how inconsistent that is. I'm new to this libertarian point of view, but I now see that the only way for this country to avoid becoming totalitarian, is to totally restrict the federal government from intrusion in not only State affairs, but personal affairs, like your health insurance policy.
In the very beginning of the book, Woods talks about Pelosi being so proud that Obamacare was passed without it's thousands of pages being read....she was asked where in the constitution is congress authorized to order Americans to buy health insurance....all she could answer with is "Are you serious?"
Pretty disappointing how much they are allowed to get away with. The federal government cannot be permitted to decide what is "right" and then mandate that. To think of all the wasted tax dollars going to tasks (and countries...) not delegated to the federal government to even be involved in, is flabbergasting. It's fun to use that word, but it is amazing how far the Federal government has over-reached and how blind we have all become to what is happening. People cannot or will not look past themselves---if a particular law benefits them but hurts the country, they support it...not understanding that in the long run, it's only going to bog us all down. (a recent example of that mindset..)
Read the book! The healthcare mandate is a prime example for nullification....which basically means the mandate is null and void, because it is unconstitutional. Sometimes I get interested in studying law. It's ridiculous what some cases used as reasoning to be covered under the constitution, and what judges went along with, despite supposedly studying the constitution. The main abused clauses are 'general welfare', the 'commerce clause' and 'necessary and proper' which by name seem to allow shelter for vague intentions...but upon reading them, really don't.
An interesting train of thought is found in US vs. Lopez a 1995 case about guns in schools. Obviously we don't want guns in schools and that should definitely be handled by local or state officials. But the logic behind the indictment as being under congressional authority, was through the...commerce clause?! They basically said, that bringing guns to school, makes kids nervous...nervous kids don't do well in school, and therefore won't do well in life, which affects...interstate commerce. The supreme court rightfully disagreed, fearing the slippery slope it would allow. Unfortunately, that case didn't set a precedent for future cases and how broad the clauses are interpreted to be...
And don't get me started on the invalidity of Roe v. Wade's "right to privacy" allowing abortion.
This guy is freaking smart. It's been a while since I read an intensely informative book like this so it takes me a few re-reads of pages to get it all. It's almost like Robert Borke's book in that every sentence seems to be too full of important info that you end up underlining/highlighting the whole damn book!
At first glance, the topic of nullification would make most people roll their eyes and write you off as a "government conspiracy" touting nut, or Glenn Beck making a vague and confusing point with a chalkboard. I have to say, I can't blame it all on my lame California High School education--but I really don't know much about American History. And what I did learn in school, I accepted as fact without actually analyzing it. Because I didn't care. I care now, and it's really very interesting to learn the truth about the framers and what their intentions were. I know I should only speak for myself, but it seems like it's so easy to only look at the country in it's current state, and quickly judge this or that to be 'right' and therefore, fair for Americans. You look back at the 18th century, and think they were just bored white guys with wigs who liked to use a lot of unnecessary words to make sentences pages-long. And even to think that maybe the constitution is sort of a 'living' document with rules that are specific to certain times and said times' issues.
BUT
it's not irrelevant at all. I'm not even a quarter through this book, and i've learned so much. The framers truthfully did intend for each word to serve a purpose and to bear meaning throughout time. It was a very delicate process, to construct a constitution that both was specific enough to be efficient, while also being 'vague' enough to withstand cultural changes.
But the theme in this book, which is also the theme of the constitution, is that the federal government was ONLY set up to regulate (and by regulate, they mean 'make regular' not monitor or invade privacy) the tasks expressly (meaning the tasks literally written in the constitution) delegated to it. And nothing else.
EVERYTHING else was supposed to be left to the States. I forget sometimes that we are a Union of states, and that those states are supposed to have more freedom than the Union itself. Look at whats going on today and how inconsistent that is. I'm new to this libertarian point of view, but I now see that the only way for this country to avoid becoming totalitarian, is to totally restrict the federal government from intrusion in not only State affairs, but personal affairs, like your health insurance policy.
In the very beginning of the book, Woods talks about Pelosi being so proud that Obamacare was passed without it's thousands of pages being read....she was asked where in the constitution is congress authorized to order Americans to buy health insurance....all she could answer with is "Are you serious?"
Pretty disappointing how much they are allowed to get away with. The federal government cannot be permitted to decide what is "right" and then mandate that. To think of all the wasted tax dollars going to tasks (and countries...) not delegated to the federal government to even be involved in, is flabbergasting. It's fun to use that word, but it is amazing how far the Federal government has over-reached and how blind we have all become to what is happening. People cannot or will not look past themselves---if a particular law benefits them but hurts the country, they support it...not understanding that in the long run, it's only going to bog us all down. (a recent example of that mindset..)
Read the book! The healthcare mandate is a prime example for nullification....which basically means the mandate is null and void, because it is unconstitutional. Sometimes I get interested in studying law. It's ridiculous what some cases used as reasoning to be covered under the constitution, and what judges went along with, despite supposedly studying the constitution. The main abused clauses are 'general welfare', the 'commerce clause' and 'necessary and proper' which by name seem to allow shelter for vague intentions...but upon reading them, really don't.
An interesting train of thought is found in US vs. Lopez a 1995 case about guns in schools. Obviously we don't want guns in schools and that should definitely be handled by local or state officials. But the logic behind the indictment as being under congressional authority, was through the...commerce clause?! They basically said, that bringing guns to school, makes kids nervous...nervous kids don't do well in school, and therefore won't do well in life, which affects...interstate commerce. The supreme court rightfully disagreed, fearing the slippery slope it would allow. Unfortunately, that case didn't set a precedent for future cases and how broad the clauses are interpreted to be...
And don't get me started on the invalidity of Roe v. Wade's "right to privacy" allowing abortion.
Great Article
This article was linked to a drudge report bit I was reading...I already know this, and you who regularly read my ramblings might remember blogs about it. But for some reason it still doesn't get through to the general public, OR, even worse, doesn't seem to affect them. I've had arguments with avid Obama fans, even ones claiming to be christian, or Catholic, and they might claim to be pro-life....but what is the meaning in saying you are against abortion, when the candidate you support, is so adamantly pro-abortion, that he VOTED AGAINST TRYING TO SAVE BABIES WHO SURVIVE ABORTIONS. (not to mention voting against parental notification when a child gets an abortion...so what happens when an underage girl dies from sepsis or bleeds to death during an abortion that her parents weren't informed of?) Obama has become their religion. Or at least liberal politics have replaced their faith, but they still keep the christian title for some kind of credit...How far can you stretch the lie that a baby isn't a baby, but a blob of inanimate tissue? Apparently, as far as is convenient for the abortion industry money, and pro-choice vote. Too bad babies can't vote--that might have given them some purpose in Obama's mind. It's very sad that for most of his senate career he was a "present voter"..but when it came to abortion, he did overtime.
It happens more than you are allowed to think. Babies passed 20 weeks, miraculously surviving being pulled at, torn apart and partially delivered...only to be thrown in the trash to die a slow and painful death. Or as we recently read, simply being delivered purposefully early, long enough to breathe, cry and cringe while the doctor snips their necks.
The article dubs Obama, "President Baby Killer". And it's accurate. While his personal justification astounds me, I know being pro-choice helps his political career. What breaks my heart is the general public turning the other way. This isn't "politics", a mere subject that you can act like you are exempt from confronting because it's controversial or uncomfortable, or you consider yourself with this or that political party, or religion.
This is murder. And now it's murder subsidized by you and I.
It happens more than you are allowed to think. Babies passed 20 weeks, miraculously surviving being pulled at, torn apart and partially delivered...only to be thrown in the trash to die a slow and painful death. Or as we recently read, simply being delivered purposefully early, long enough to breathe, cry and cringe while the doctor snips their necks.
The article dubs Obama, "President Baby Killer". And it's accurate. While his personal justification astounds me, I know being pro-choice helps his political career. What breaks my heart is the general public turning the other way. This isn't "politics", a mere subject that you can act like you are exempt from confronting because it's controversial or uncomfortable, or you consider yourself with this or that political party, or religion.
This is murder. And now it's murder subsidized by you and I.
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Monkey Bizness
Shawna introduced us to this chain of jumpy house things called Monkey Bizness when we went out to KC to see them. We have one in houston too! It was for a little older kids, but we all had fun. Lucas is pretty fearless on everything. Olivia has always been a little scared of heights.
They put this sign up..
and give you boxing gloves...:)
I was scaring them running around this pyramid, but I was about to fall here and it looks like I just ran over Olivia lol. I didn't :)
He thinks this is a good hiding spot!
Here's a bunch of video of how fun it was...I even went on the big slide which was really fast. Fun! And I didn't get rugburn this time. Olivia started getting real sleepy so we left after about an hour and a half. Wish it were closer :)
They put this sign up..and give you boxing gloves...:)
Here's a bunch of video of how fun it was...I even went on the big slide which was really fast. Fun! And I didn't get rugburn this time. Olivia started getting real sleepy so we left after about an hour and a half. Wish it were closer :)
Got our furniture.
So our house officially looks like an Ikea store. And that's ok. Obviously I'm not that stylish (if you looked at my wardrobe you'd see jeans and tshirts are 98 % of it). But this furniture is practical, and fairly cheap. And I get some kind of sick enjoyment out of putting together these wierd things with dowels and allen wrenches. I didn't realize when we bought this couch, that it came in like 7 boxes that filled our game room...and I was crazy enough to put everything together alone the night we got it, after babies went to sleep. (I keep busy when John works nights).
Here are some pictures:
And remember the fridge we got? My suspicions were right. It was the wrong fridge and in biscuit not white. So this is our new one. It fits much better and matches the other white appliances. The other one was so wide that the doors hit the wall.
This is the bench we got for the kids. It's easier for them to get on without falling.
The leftover boxes...and the old shelves we had from VA...perfect to keep the DVDs away from the kids...and dogs (will never forget Shmoopy chewing up a netflix dvd--of course a rare one that was expensive to replace).
The kids love their new beds and no injuries so far...
This toy shelf was actually really heavy--had to mount to wall so it wouldnt fall on them--cause it would really hurt.
This arrangement was so huge, I decided to keep the chaise lounge separate...really makes our game room seem small now!
Can you remember how this room used to look? I can..this house seems totally different. But I keep catching paint mistakes we made...don't feel like correcting them now of course.
Aren't they so cute? Their conversations really tickle me..she's trying to kiss him and he covers his mouth lol.
Here they are spying on the dogs...and the neighbor's dogs...They call Shmoopy "Furpee" and Tyrone is "Tynone". I'll have to video Olivia saying "Cuties are for kids...NOT Tynone!"
Olivia playing dress up with what she could find...this is totally wummer (Summer+Winter)
Starting to use this game room as my exercise room (since no one can see me upstairs lol. They help me do these lower ab lift things...they call them Supermans of course.
Here are some pictures:
This is their little dancing...Lucas is saying "whip my hair back and forth!" he's usually too embarassed haha.
And here's Olivia doing my exercises lol. And dancing...which I'm sure Daddy loves to hear while sleeping downstairs :)
Starting to use this game room as my exercise room (since no one can see me upstairs lol. They help me do these lower ab lift things...they call them Supermans of course.
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